I stopped taking pictures in February...

We decided that the best thing for us to do yesterday was go to the temple. It rained and thunder-stormed all day except for when we were there—so the boys were able to be outside! Tender mercy. Most of the people in the temple were temple workers and those attending marriages. Wesley and I both had time to ponder in the Celestial Room. My heart just overflowed with gratitude for the temple in general and for our amazing development in Texas. The last four years have refined us. We are closer to our Savior and Heavenly Father. I feel honored that we could grow so much as a family here. I thought of D&C 109:22, “And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them.” That is my prayer leaving the temple, leaving Texas, and leaving our house whenever and wherever we go.

On Friday I had my 20 week ultrasound. Ace is definitely a girl. Therefore, Ace is Venice Christine. She did not like us invading her privacy or jostling her around. The others performed in their ultrasounds; she balled up her fists and rolled over. We couldn’t even get a profile picture of her! I was pretty entertained. Thankfully everything looks just right with her—which is always a great relief. I met with Dr. Loar for the last time. I wish I could take her with us to Golden. She’s just so steady and kind and capable.

Levi has been waking with nightmares (not “bad” dreams he informs me, just “scary”). Last night he flew into our room almost faster than he could open his door. He trembled next to me for a half-hour. Poor kid. We’re working on empowering him. One night Wesley checked on him. They looked at the pictures of Christ and the armies of Helaman on the wall. Levi said that even though he can’t see Jesus with his eyes right now, he is going to pretend that Jesus is watching him close—just like the picture is right over his bed. What sweet faith.

Lincoln has also been waking up around four. Thankfully he goes back to sleep. He asked if he could have a uterus and a baby in his tummy, too. Haha! He has determined that I am the Rat (he can’t remember the name “Splinter” and has given up trying—which is hilarious). When he can’t find me in the house he yells, “I’m going to find the rat. Hey! Rat!” I’m Splinter because baby Venice is going to be April and I take care of all of them. Lincoln loves the story of the Beauty and the Beast. Mostly, he loves the Beast. We found the Jan Brett book at the library. He studied it for days. Running errands have never been so easy!

Keller clearly said, “Bubbles!” when he saw that I’d thrown some old blowers away. He’s discovering the convenience of communication. This increases his motivation to try to articulate. One of our letters of the week was “V” and he diligently made the “VVVVVVVVVV!” sound. He knows all of my body parts, but isn’t really interested in labeling his own (unless we’re playing peek-a-boo). And, glory of glories, he can open almost all of the doors and climb chairs up to the dining room table—so nothing and no one is safe. Mobility: so wonderful and horrifying.

Thank you for all the birthday wishes. Thank you for your help in Wesley’s thoughtful gift of helping me not think about food! (Bless him!) We used up our gift card to the Cheesecake Factory without any meltdowns, football games, or casualties. Levi asked me what I wanted and I said, “Happy boys.” Of course he snorted indignantly, but they all tried very hard to be happy and get along. I’d call that a perfect birthday!